Orlando Pirates has been crowned the 2025 Carling Knockout Cup champions.This after a hard fought 1-0 victory against a stubborn Marumo Gallants at the sold-out Peter Mokaba stadium in Polokwane, Limpopo, on Saturday evening.
The Buccaneers solitary goal was scored by Relebohile Mofokeng, in the dying stage of extra-time, after the match ended 0-0 all at regulation time. The match started on a high note for Pirates, who almost scored in the fifth minute, when Gallants goalkeeper and captain, Washington Arubi, mis controlled a back pass, allowing a golden opportunity for Pirates striker, Evidence Makgopa. Makgopa’s strike beat Arubi, but Gallants defender cleared the goal bound ball before it crossed the line. Both teams created opportunities in the first half, which was dominated by Pirates.Makgopa had a share of the chances, created by Mofokeng, but failed to put his team in the lead. Gallants also created few chances but were let down by their strikers, and the scoreline was 0-0 at halftime.
The Buccaneers dominance continued in the second half, but their efforts were thwarted by a desperate Gallants defence, resulting in the match going into extra time. Pirates defence intercepted a poor ball by Gallants, and following quick passes, the ball found Mofokeng who found the back of the net, to earn his team the second trophy of the season.
Meanwhile, the match served as farewell match for Pirates captain, Mbekezeli Mbokazi.The 20-year-old has just completed to Chicago Fire FC in the Major League Soccer, and is expected to join his new club after the African Cup of Nations in Morocco.
